Beloved Kingston College Choir Director Dr. Barry Davies Passes at 96

Palm Coast, Florida, USA - In a deep and heartfelt moment for the Jamaican and Florida communities, Reverend Dr. Barry Davies, former director of the Kingston College Chapel Choir, passed away on June 1, 2025, at the age of 96. Dr. Davies died peacefully at his home in Palm Coast, Florida, just shortly after celebrating his birthday on May 29. Over his storied life, he not only touched the lives of many through music but also played a significant role in the spiritual journeys of countless individuals.

Born in 1929 in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, Dr. Davies dedicated much of his life to enriching the musical landscape of Jamaica and beyond. He held many roles, from teacher and choir director to television host and music critic. Perhaps most notably, he directed the Kingston College Chapel Choir from 1956 to 1967, transforming it into a nationally recognized group that held a special place in the hearts of many in Jamaica. Under his stewardship, the choir made significant strides, including public recordings and becoming the first St. Nicholas Guild Choir of the Royal School of Church Music in the West Indies, according to Caribbean National Weekly.

A Life of Service and Music

Dr. Davies led a vibrant life filled with community engagement. After relocating to Atlanta in 1979, he took the initiative to establish a weekly evening service geared towards newly arrived Jamaicans. He was actively involved in Jamaican Independence celebrations and memorial services, including the tribute to former Prime Minister Michael Manley. His impact reached beyond music; he provided spiritual guidance to the Jamaican community both in Atlanta and later in Palm Coast, Florida.

The journey for Dr. Davies wasn’t always smooth sailing. He experienced a profound return to faith at age 50 after a stint as a „humanist agnostic.“ His devotion to music and ministry flourished at Columbia Theological Seminary, where he completed his training. He served various roles throughout his career, including a position as parish associate and organist at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, eventually becoming co-pastor at a church in Stone Mountain, GA.

• The wedding of Laodice Dooley, his wife of over 40 years, was a milestone in his life, with the two raising four children and three grandchildren together.
• In Palm Coast, he organized and played at Jamaican Independence Services, making headlines for his community connections and cultural sharing, as reported by KC Times.

The Legacy of Jamaican Music

While Dr. Davies was a pivotal figure in contemporary Jamaican music and choir direction, it’s essential to recognize the rich tapestry of Jamaican musical history that shaped his work. Jamaican music is famously known for its vibrant styles, ranging from Folk and Mento to Reggae and Dancehall. Folk music, the earliest form, emerged during slavery and echoes tales of resilience, while Mento laid the groundwork for the Reggae phenomena, which became a global sensation with artists like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

Dr. Davies’s music wasn’t just about performance; it connected the diaspora to a cultural legacy that includes diverse genres like Ska, Rocksteady, and Dancehall. The rhythm and spirit of these musical styles undoubtedly echoed in the events he organized. Even in his later years, Dr. Davies continued his artistic endeavors, preparing for concerts like „Folk Songs of the West Indies“ and entertaining at local nursing homes, as noted by multiple reports.

Though Dr. Davies leaves behind a remarkable legacy, he wished for no formal memorial service. Instead, friends are invited to gather informally to share stories and celebrate his life through the music he loved. A Celebration of Life video will also be shared with loved ones at a later date.

As we reflect on a life well-lived, it’s clear that Rev. Dr. Barry Davies not only made remarkable strides in choral music and community service but also wove an enduring legacy that resonates within the fabric of Jamaican culture and the broader community he cherished.